Reactions mixed on Commanders' first-round pick

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated Apr 28, 2023 2:22 PM ET

Emmanuel Forbes was a game-changer at Mississippi State, but with two talented cornerbacks already on Washington’s roster, the No. 16 pick could fight to stay on the field.

With Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste already on the outside, it’s no guarantee that Forbes will start right away. The team may have to move Fuller inside if they want to take advantage of Forbes' playmaking ability.

A first-team All-SEC player with the Bulldogs, Forbes had six interceptions last year, returning three for touchdowns. He also had 10 pass breakups and 46 tackles. He had three interceptions in 2021 with five pass breakups and 59 tackles.

In three years at Mississippi State, Forbes returned six interceptions for touchdowns, establishing a Division I FBS record. Last year, he had six interceptions to go along with 46 tackles and 11 pass defenses.

ESPN’s Todd McShay ranked Forbes as the third-best cornerback in the draft. He calls him an instinctive player with excellent speed but has questions about the cornerback’s size and strength.

Forbes is listed at 180 pounds but weighed in at 166 pounds at the combine. He’ll need to put on weight if he hopes to shut down some of the NFL’s bigger receivers.

According to a recent poll from hogshaven.com, 23% of fans give the Forbes pick an ‘A’ with 38% giving it a ‘B’. Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez is considered a better prospect and was available at No. 16, but Washington’s front office clearly preferred Forbes' ability to put points on the board.

Kentucky’s Will Levis was also available with the 16th pick and according to Pro Football Focus, was the preferred pick of Commanders fans. Concerns about a toe injury may have scared teams away from Levis, but he could be available with Washington’s second-round pick.

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